Set in the days before and during the second World War, fashion photographer Gilda Besse (Charlize Theron) starts a romantic relationship with Irish schoolteacher Guy Malyon (Townsend) and lives with a Spanish refugee, Mia (Penelope Cruz). Gilda and Guy's relationship breaks apart when Guy travels to Spain to fight against the fascists, but they are later reunited when Gilda risks her life to save him.